Man passed details on minister to police posing as Russian spies, UK court told
Briefly

Howard Phillips, a 65-year-old man, believed he was providing sensitive information about UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps to Russian agents for money. He handed over a USB stick containing Shapps's home address and details of his private plane while financially struggling. Phillips had previously applied for a job at UK Border Force when approached by undercover officers. He exhibited eagerness to assist, particularly motivated by a potential financial reward, and even set up communications under a false identity at their request.
Howard Phillips, a retired man, provided personal details of UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps to undercover police, thinking they were Russian agents, for financial reward.
Phillips received a USB stick containing sensitive information about Shapps, including his home address and private plane details, while struggling financially.
Undercover officers approached Phillips, posing as Russian agents, encouraging him to assist in exchange for payment during his job application for UK Border Force.
The prosecution asserted that Phillips's financial struggles motivated his cooperation with the undercover officers, emphasizing his eagerness to assist for easy money.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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